VOCATIONAL EMPLOYMENT COUNSELOR 47025

07/01/92 B

This is a professional class for positions in the Department of Rehabilitative Services that provide job development and job placement services to persons with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Positions in the class analyze job characteristics and match clients with appropriate jobs to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment. Provides training and support to clients and employers; monitors progress and reports progress to the assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Work is performed on the job site. This class is distinguished from the Rehabilitation Vocational Evaluator class by its responsibility for providing job development and job placement services to clients rather than concentrating on vocational evaluation services. This class is distinguished from the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor class by the latter's responsibility for providing a full range of comprehensive services and widely varied individualized rehabilitation programs to clients.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving the provision of specialized, direct job development and job placement services to clients with disabilities who could not gain or maintain employment without assistance. Work requires the development of lists of potential employers and job openings and the analysis of the requirements of job openings by identifying job duties and responsibilities, by determining specific, required skills; and by communicating with employers. Positions assist Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in matching job requirements and characteristics to client work abilities, social skills, and communication skills; identifying accommodations to work environment based on client's abilities and needs. Trains client at the job site on specified job skills, production requirements and appropriate behaviors; involves on-site personnel in the training and supervision of the client. Monitors client performance and provides guidance and counseling to assist in the development of appropriate behaviors; documents client progress and work performance; and reports progress on a regular basis to assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Provides follow-up services to client and employer necessary to maintain job stability. Positions provide follow-up services to employers and clients to maintain employment and employer's confidence.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Performs work under the direction of a Human Services Manager-Field in the form of assignment of clients and periodic review.

Scope: Provides job placement and job development services which affect the social and economic well-being of assigned clients. Work also affects contacted community employers and organizations, and the success of the agency's mission to provide quality rehabilitation services.

Impact of Actions: Inappropriate job matches or level of job site presence may have a negative effect on both client and family well-being. Appropriate job matches build positive relationships with the community and employers.

Personal Contacts: Frequent external contacts with clients, employers, and human services agencies to receive referrals, develop and match job vacancies.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques to gather, review, and evaluate vocational information; and of barriers to employment, labor markets, and employment trends. Knowledge of social, economic, medical and emotional programs for persons with disabilities.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Ability to task analyze job duties and modify or adapt work area or job duties to accommodate a worker with a disability; to communicate effectively with employers regarding clients and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employers and co-workers; and to provide specialized job skills and appropriate work behaviors training to clients with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social education, occupational therapy, or a related human services field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience working with persons with disabilities, preferably in the areas of vocational or employment training.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This is a new class proposed by the Department of Rehabilitative Services, effective July 1992.